ORIGIN

Swedish Recon 4×4 in California: 1963 Volvo L3304

This 1963 Volvo L3304 wears US military markings, but is in fact an ex-Swedish reconnaissance vehicle featuring a corporate B18 gasoline four-cylinder driving either the rear or all four wheels, with 4×4 offering low and high ranges. Only the third L3304 to be featured here on BaT, the truck is said to be registered for road use, and does wear California plates. There’s no word on mechanical condition, but many drivetrain parts are commonplace as used on any number of Volvo cars built during the 60’s and 70’s. Find it here on Craigslist in San Rafael, California for $14k.

The front-mounted spare is correct, mounted over a sharply angled nose, shaped that way to offer a better approach angle when climbing steep hills–presumably the spare might be used to aid ditch crossing, similar to how rollers and similar nose extensions seen on other military vehicles work.

The roll cage appears to be a homemade item, though it’s hard to say–note that BaT’s two previously featured L3304s each had their own variation, one with a different cage design and one without any kind of rollover protection.

American military markings are fun and probably fool lots of curious onlookers, but as far as we know, these trucks only ever officially served for their home country. Besides, though the US has fielded plenty of odd and unusual looking military 4x4s over many generations, there’s something distinctly Nordic looking about these.

The Swedish-marked VDO gauges are another giveaway. No engine bay photos are provided, and the seller provides little more than a quick word or two ensuring that the vehicle is “ideal for rugged off-road, registered and street legal.”